iPhone So someone remind me again how iCloud/iCloud Drive works?

[617660]

Admittedly, I haven't been a heavy user of iCloud in the past. However, now that I want to read a few ebooks on Books app and would like it to sync across my iPhone SE (iOS13) and MBA (MacOS 10.13). Keep in mind, the MBA is ancient and hence not eligible for MacOS 10.14.

Per instruction, I enabled iCloud Drive in order to sync Books app (not sure why iCloud can't do this simple task but instead has to rely on iCloud Drive). Went back to Settings -> Books to enable sync, only to be told it works only on macOS 10.14 or later.

On MBA side, I enabled iCloud Drive and made sure Books app is checked.

Well, not only do they not sync, but Books app refuses to load on my iPhone with a message "Uploads to and downloads from iCloud will require an Internet connection"

I am almost certain there is a workaround for this ( I don't mean 3rd-Party app either) but can't locate the answer now. Curious if anyone can enlighten me on the workaround. Thanks in advance!

 

[cynics]

Where are the books from?

Brief explanation of iCloud.

iCloud is a syncing service that stores and syncs data between all your devices. iCloud Photo Library for example with make all your photo apps look the same, add a photo to one device it adds it to your other devices. Delete that photo and it deletes it from all your other devices. This isn't a backup service, its syncing. Deleting ALL your photos on one device and there is the possibility you can lose them all on all your devices.

The iCloud service is designed so you don't need to micro manage each device and so you don't need to go get your iPhone from the other room when you are sitting in front of your Mac. Everything on your iPhone can be accessible without the device in hand. Just for convenience.

iCloud Drive has some similar functionality but is also more like a traditional cloud storage service. Automatic uploads but delete command isn't pushed to all your devices (generally but not always depends on the app). You can also just upload random files using the Files app on iPhone and Finder>user/iCloud Drive on MacOS.

Books only uses iCloud Drive for PDF's. I used to use it for engineering schematics and technical manuals I randomly download from Google searches and manufacturer webpages. They would save to books, upload to iCloud Drive and then other devices can download them in the books app. Now I just find it easier to save the PDF to the Files desktop folder so when I got to my Mac the file is front and center on the desktop ready to be read or filed away properly for easy access at a later date (or deleted).

Since these PDF's are random and not on iTunes they need to be transferred from my iPhone, to iCloud Drive and then downloaded to a different device.

Purchased Books are entirely different, they are more like a song or movie purchase. They are flagged as purchased to your iTunes account and other apps are supposed to sync that data so when you open it its there.....

iPhone - Settings > AppleID (your name at the top) > iTunes & App Store > Books & Audiobooks toggled ON (under automatic downloads).

However if its a purchase you can always goto previous purchase and redownload it or find it in the store and redownload it on other devices using the same AppleID. You won't get a copy you can as easily manipulate like a PDF.

That is why I asked where the books are from. If they are purchases you might not need to transfer anything using iCloud. If the aren't purchases and just books in PDF format you can use iCloud to upload them automatically or you can use AirDrop, Messages/email to yourself just to get it on the Mac.

TL;DR

However it sounds like there is a problem with your Books app on the iPhone. Assuming you have an active internet connection I would try reseting buy holding down lock and the home button until you see the Apple Logo and try again. Also go into all your settings and make sure you are logged in using your iTunes/AppleID everywhere (iOS 13 required relogging into everything).

 

[617660]

I think the solution is to add "iBooks" app to iCloud Drive manually. Checking the box in iCloud Drive setting doesn't work since my MBA stays at 10.13. I must assume this is the workaround since it's working and syncing just fine now.

Hmmm, interesting.

 

[Blowback]

I think the solution is to add "iBooks" app to iCloud Drive manually. Checking the box in iCloud Drive setting doesn't work since my MBA stays at 10.13. I must assume this is the workaround since it's working and syncing just fine now.

Hmmm, interesting.

Don't know if this has anything to do with your problem but have run across it once or twice before:

Not sure what site/forum I got it from but was 'by Oli Freyr'///
by Oli Freyr

Mar 24, 2017 3:32 AM

I had the same problem, nothing from iCloud was showing up in iBooks.

On your mac:

1. Open System Preferences

2. Go to the iCloud pane

3. Enable iCloud Drive

4. Click Options button next to iCloud Drive

5. Enable iBooks

From me (Blowback):

Also: when you see those '%' amounts next to any book/PDF.....they are NOT the amount downloaded but the amount of the book/PDF you have read! Very confusing....so don't think something is not or still downloading simply because it has a. '20%' value next to it which is not changing....know this all seems off topic but hope it may help.

 

[617660]

I will have to take back what I said in my previous post. iBooks was already enabled as per your instruction.

It's syncing. But ONE way only . Changes made in iOS13 doesn't go over to macOS 10.13. However, changes made in macOS 10.13 goes over to iOS13.

I guess that's how Apple gets you. Syncing has nothing to do with hardware. Otherwise, my other apps wouldn't sync either. This is why the planned obsolete argument is so real and so strong.

And no, I am not going to give Apple more money by upgrading to new hardware. I am keeping my MBA and iPhone just as they are.